School has been back in session for a bit, and it’s time to review how your child is doing. While we expect school to be safe, kids are injured each year when attending classes and taking part in school activities. Now that your child is settling in, here are some questions to ask:
- Is your child taking part in any new activities? If your child is taking part in a new club, class, or athletic activity, you want to make sure you understand who is leading the activity. Is the coach or teacher experienced, so they can keep students safe? Does your child have access to any protective or safety equipment they need? For a science class, students may need lab coats and goggles. For a sport, they may need helmets, knee pads, or other protective gear.
- Are you seeing personality changes? Children go through many changes, but sudden withdrawal, anger, mood swings, and other changes could indicate your child is struggling. These can be signs of bullying or a sign that your child is in distress in some other way.
- What are your child’s grades like? If you see a sudden decline in grades, it could indicate your child is struggling. They may need more support.
- Do you need to update any back-to-school items? Check over back to school items, including clothes, school supplies, and anything else. Has anything been recalled? Do any items show dangerous levels of wear and tear?
- What do you know about your child’s online activity? Online bullying can be a serious problem. Talk to your children about their online activities. Make sure you explain your children can always come to you for help. Even if you’re sure they know this, hearing it often is important.
- Are there new faces at school? Get to know your children’s friends and fellow students.
- Is your child showing up with unexplained injuries? These can be signs of bullying or inadequate security and care at school. Always investigate any injuries carefully and get answers.
- Are you getting updates from school? Sign up for alerts and information, so you’re alerted about any upcoming security initiatives and anything that is happening around the school.
- Have your child’s sleeping, eating, or other habits changed? Any changes can be an indication of depression, bullying, or other worries. They can even indicate a visit to the doctor may be needed.
- Does your commute need an update? How is your child getting to school? Is that still the safest option? Consider whether road closures or city projects may make a different route or way of getting to school a better option.
While not all of these can indicate bullying or injury, they can indicate a problem. Pay attention to these signs and keep communication with your child open, so you can act quickly to protect your child.
What Can I Do If My Child is Bullied or Injured in a Florida School?
Schools in Florida have a duty to keep students safe. This may mean creating no-tolerance policies for bullying and violence or hiring former police officers as security guards. It means addressing bullying before is escalates and hiring qualified staff who can help keep students safe.
If a school fails to take reasonable action and your child is injured as a result, call Flaxman Law Group at 866-352-9626 or contact us online to schedule a free, no obligation consultation with a Hollywood children’s injury claims attorney. We can review your situation and help you understand whether you may have a lawsuit.